Botulism natural history, complications and prognosis
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Botulism Microchapters |
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Overview
Natural history
Complications
Botulism can result in death due to respiratory failure. However, in the past 50 years, the proportion of patients with botulism who die has fallen from about 50% to 8% due to improved supportive care. A patient with severe botulism may require a breathing machine as well as intensive medical and nursing care for several months. Patients who survive an episode of botulism poisoning may have fatigue and shortness of breath for years and long-term therapy may be needed to aid their recovery.
Infant botulism has no long-term side effects, but can be complicated by nosocomial adverse events. The case fatality rate is less than 1% for hospitalized infants with botulism.
Prognosis
The prognosis depends upon the particular case. The amount of botulinum toxin an individual is exposed to will play a role in the overall prognosis, but early treatment will significantly decrease the chance of death.